The “National Liberal Coalition”, Opening Convention

[Verily]

I had previously sent out a message to a number of Atlas members to gauge possible support for a new political party, and, well, the response was pretty overwhelming and rapid in favor. The goal is to create a united political party that focuses on social liberalism and economic moderation, embracing a fusion of classical liberal, social-liberal and moderate libertarian ideals, something no one political party Atlasia-wide does.

For now, the purpose of this thread is the discussion of the organization and establishment of this party, including a name (the NLC being only temporary until its members have a chance to vote on the idea).

Anyone who received my PM and has not yet responded, or anyone who to whom this sounds like a good plan and would like to join (and I apologize for missing you on the list of people to send this to; I mostly focused on the three smaller liberal parties, the Radicals, Bourbon Democrats and JCP in sending the PM). Anyone who responded positively I have included on a tentative list of members already; please confirm in this thread whether you would like to be a member or not.

Members
Verily
Bullmoose88
AndrewCT
afleitch
Straha
Bacon King
Peter
Fabian
Colin Wixted
Mr. Moderate
Rockefeller Republican
TommyC1776 (to be confirmed)

Affiliated
Ernest
Democratic Centre (Hashemite)

[bullmoose88]

I'm in

[Hash]

I didn't get a PM, but would you still accept me?

[Small Business Owner of Any Repute]

Though I made a pledge to stay "Independent," I think this party is a terrific idea.

Especially if it can get to the point where it's contesting multiple elections and running candidate for President—you know, major party status.

[AndrewTX]

I got your PM, and I'm intersted in joining.

[Verily]

I didn't get a PM, but would you still accept me?

Far be it from any of us to reject someone interested. I've added you and AndrewCT to the list.

[Hash]

I didn't get a PM, but would you still accept me?

Far be it from any of us to reject someone interested.

Before I actually join, what's your position on immigration?

I take it this is of course secular, pro-environment, and economically liberal?

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Not really my cup of tea, but a welcome development anyway. Good luck

[Verily]

I didn't get a PM, but would you still accept me?

Far be it from any of us to reject someone interested.

Before I actually join, what's your position on immigration?

I take it this is of course secular, pro-environment, and economically liberal?

Depends what you mean by liberal. I'm broadly generalizing of course, but I think we'll end up as a pro-free trade and low levels of government regulation party, but supporting various government programs in health care, education and other areas. That's what I would consider liberal, as opposed to leftist (protectionist, high levels of regulation), but you may equate the two.

Secularism is clear, and the party will be broadly socially liberal.

Immigration I think is too specific an issue to have a position hammered out yet. I'm not dictating all of the party's positions; I'm just providing the original suggestion. We'll work within the premises of the party (social liberalism and economic moderation) to establish a more comprehensive platform once membership settles down.

[Hash]

Good enough, I join.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

I'll seek credentials for the convention, but until a platform is agreed to, I'll refrain from officially joining the coalition as afar as the DoFA is concerned.

So that we can have as broad based a party as possible, I propose that our rules require either a three-fifths or two-thirds majority to add or alter a plank to the platform and only a bare majority to drop one.

[afleitch]

Just to let you know; I'm in I've got a few more policies that I hope the NLC would consider.

[Verily]

All right, well, for now we'll hold off until more people confirm interest. When I get back this evening, we'll probably hold an election for Party Chairman, and from there we can work on party platform planks. If everyone's fine with the current name, we don't need to discuss it, but new suggestions are welcome.

Personally, I like Ernest's proposals for adding planks, but we'll get there when we get there.

Also, everyone joining, please be sure to change your registration in the New Register Thread.

[Hash]

Liberal Party would be my proposition, or even Liberal Democratic Party.

[Sensei]

It sounds like a great idea, but I have a party I'm happy with already, otherwise I'd join.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Incase you didn't get my PM Verily, I have joined the National Liberal Coalition. However for the time being, I would like to remain as an Independent but affliated. Once again a great idea Verily. Just one question though what's the NLC's position on the Seperation between Church and State.

[Sensei]

will members of this party participate in the progressive primary?

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

will members of this party participate in the progressive primary?

I imagine that members of the progressive wing of the party will, but I would not expect the entire party to.

[Verily]

will members of this party participate in the progressive primary?

Any member who wishes to participate may do so (assuming the progressive primary is an open one; I think it is), but the party as a whole will not participate unless we vote to at some point in the future, and I personally hope that we will end up running our own candidate for President eventually.

As it stands, I think enough time has passed since I initially posted this thread to open discussion about the party chairmanship. Does anyone have any nominations?

Liberal Party would be my proposition, or even Liberal Democratic Party.

Both would be good alternatives, I think. Does anyone have an opinion on these names or the current one?

[Sensei]

will members of this party participate in the progressive primary?

Any member who wishes to participate may do so (assuming the progressive primary is an open one; I think it is), but the party as a whole will not participate unless we vote to at some point in the future, and I personally hope that we will end up running our own candidate for President eventually.

I'm just asking, because I'm sure a reasonable party like this, the PLP, the SLA, the JCP, and others can compromise and take the presidency for the good of all.

[Verily]

will members of this party participate in the progressive primary?

Any member who wishes to participate may do so (assuming the progressive primary is an open one; I think it is), but the party as a whole will not participate unless we vote to at some point in the future, and I personally hope that we will end up running our own candidate for President eventually.

I'm just asking, because I'm sure a reasonable party like this, the PLP, the SLA, the JCP, and others can compromise and take the presidency for the good of all.

That will be up to the party's membership, though, given the current IRV system, I don't think running separate candidates poses a risk unless one candidate is unacceptable to supporters of the other.

[Peter]

I will join, though I shall wait until the end of the election weekend before formally changing my registration.

I am broadly in favour of NLC as a name. I generally agree with Verily's ideological outline for the party in Reply #8, however, I would add that I consider that environmental regulation is more generally permissible than other forms of regulation.

[bullmoose88]

While we're at it, what about the party logo...or at least...colors...

[Verily]

While we're at it, what about the party logo...or at least...colors...

I like the idea of aqua and gold as the colors. It fits with the internationally recognized colors of liberalism.

[Small Business Owner of Any Repute]

Though technically not a member because of my campaign pledge, might I suggest Verily for Chair, since this whole thing is his idea?